Today is going to be a good day.......

 Skipping the gym today.... hitting the dirt with my mom. Yay! A hiking day!  My day doesn't start at work until 4 so this makes for a good workout before work.   My mom and I are usually attached at the hip but lately life has gotten busy.  Well namely when Jay moved.  I now fill all my just sitting waiting for Stevi gaps with work when possible, which is great that I have clients that I can do that with, but it sure makes for a weird sporadic schedule.  Tonight I have two cuts at 4...go home, grab Stevi, get her to cheer, go back to do a color, pick up Stevi and stay for a parent meeting until around 9.

So starting my day with fresh air, cardio and laughter....awesome.  Have a great day today all, mine will be... I can feel it!

1st class for me scheduled!

 With Stevi scheduled to take her driving test, I am optimistic and have scheduled another sewing class.  I haven't had the time to finish a few projects, a shirt, a runner and a quilt, a tablecloth, and lounge pants for all of us, so I actually paid for a day of uninterrupted sewing.  Its from 9-3:30 the last Monday of the month and hopefully I can complete these projects before I start to conquer some more.  A good friend of mine gave me, yes gave me a Serger which I can't wait to use.  So for now, that's my goal, to finish all my unfinished sewing projects.....One day a month of no phone, no work, no driving, nothing but sewing.  I'm I a dork....probably...Oh and Guoda....don't plan on your Christmas stocking I started knitting..... I don't think it will ever be finished........See if Liz will knit one for you ;-)

Am I supposed to miss him this much...?

 Am I supposed to miss him this much?  We've lived together since 1985... you would think some time away would be refreshing.  That's what all the other wives tell me.  "Enjoy it!"  They say.

 How can I enjoy it when I look over at the empty side of the bed and long to see him there.  I hate sleeping alone.  I thought I loved it.  I haven't slept alone since June 1986 other than a few bouts of normal marriage woes , snoring, fighting etc.

 Is it normal at my age after this many years to cry because you miss someone so much it actually creates pain in your chest?  Over the years you become comfortable, even resentful at times.   But you are together to get angry with each other and a simple touch, kiss or hug can make it better in a second.  With 400 miles plus between us, I can't just fall into his arms after a bad day, or sit and laugh with him as he makes a romantic table in the front yard with flowers and wine for all the neighbors to see and come tell us how cute we are.

I miss him.  To the point I feel lonely, and angry that the only communication for us is via text or phone calls which I am usually running around with 20 things to do so then I don't give him the full attention he deserves even if for a few minutes. I had my breakdown moment again last night.  I should be able to get passed this but the job is 10 years and I think that is what is stuck in my head.  I know women do this everyday. Even though he doesn't always want to do the things I want to do when he is here...He is here. His presence is soothing. I want to hold his hand, kiss him good morning and good night...nudge him when he snores too loud and feel the warmth of his body at night.  I miss him staring at me for no reason and watching me get ready because he finds it beautiful.

I know we have a long road ahead of us...and you would think being as busy as I am between work, chores, Stevi and opening a new salon I wouldn't have time to think... but its amazing what the brain does to you when you miss somebody this much.  It debilitates you, wears you down and depresses you.  I am keeping as busy as possible, I'm just sad and angry that he's not here . But it's for our future and we are slowly getting bills paid off and paid down.....there is a light...at the end of the RV...

Bonding 101

Xtreme Allstar Cheer Squad 2012

Team bonding is a tradition and has been for years.  When Stevi was made Captain of her cheer squad, the first thing she said was "We need a bonding party".  And she was right.  Last night was a complete success.  Only one girl decided not to come and it is sad because it was definitely her loss.  The girls have not had any time to get to know each other on a personal level, because at a competition level practice, that's all you do is practice.  No personal banter, no laughter, all concentration, all work.

The girls got to know each other , the music they like, all the things that you don't know can put a wedge into a team, the things you learn can weld you together.  They had a few bonding games, blind make-overs, Fugitive to name a couple.  Lost of pizza and soda and laughter.  The most successful sleepover I've ever had at my house.

Our next bonding party will be December 1st... hope the all know how to roller skate!

Shattered.......

Sacrifices made to conquer dreams

can shatter a heart right at the seams

A smile on your face while knowing true love

when the one that you need, you can only dream of

A text, a call, a card in the mail

doesn't make up for trips that will fail

My heart needs to see you and feel you near

daily I wish that your face would appear

I know you are there because of your love

I pray to God and the heavens above

I hope to see you soon and fall into your arms

I miss every bit of your romantic charms

Distance, they say, makes the heart grow fonder

Never again is that a thought I will ponder

So don't mind me as I fall to pieces

Cry all night into my pillow creases

You are my best friend, the love of my life

Thank you for this.......your loving wife

Drama of the Week....Lynch 101

 Drama of the week?  Lawnmower.  We had a very nice lawn mower at one time.  When we lost our home and became renters, the first place we moved into was a town home so of course we sold it.  Our amazing new neighbor across the street gave us her old one, which Jay can start, and apparently only Jay can start it.  Jayson and I have tried for 2 weeks.  We just can't get it to start.

Of course, I stopped watering the lawn about that time thinking it would be mowed.  Then it wouldn't start.  Tried again.  No, no can do.    I got yelled at last night from Jay, for not mowing the lawn, which I've tried, I swear, and for not watering the lawn, which I plan on mowing and I know you can not mow if it is wet.  So I suggested hiring someone just so it gets done.  Wrong suggestion.  He ended up more angry, I ended up crying.  My son and I worked for over an hour trying to start that damn old mower this morning.  I have friends that have said they will come mow the lawn for me...Guy friends which I'm sure won't help the situation, so thru networking, I have a friend who has a mower that needs a primer bulb and he says we can have it and fix it...which may be what is wrong with this one....I think it is just done, its old and I don't think worth fixing.  My neighbor across the street came through again and she is mowing her lawn at 3:30 and said we can use it at 4...score! We will just fill it with gas once we use it, Jay won't be mad at me anymore, I can water the lawn and we can see if we can get my friends old mower and use that for awhile.  Having two separate house holds doesn't leave us any extra money, and I'm sure if Jay came home and just collected unemployment it would be just as bad if not worse.  So that is checked off my list.  I go to work at 4 and Jayson will be mowing at 4...Perfect.

My ideal lawn......

The end of this week is my light at the end of the tunnel.  My mom and I are going to go on a hike...haven't been in awhile, can always use the fresh air and exercise to erase the week.

Always an Adventure.............

Came to SF to Flowers in the kitchen and bedroom (8' apart)

 Nice to be able to come down and visit.  Stevi said we needed time alone too sometimes, Jay and I were both upset she didn't come, but she was right.  Also we are trying to be aware that at 15 almost 16, your friends are the most important thing in your life.  Not necessarily your family.

Hooked up with my coffee mug and laptop, the foot rest is a cooler with a pillow

 Last night we rented John Carter and Hunger Games.  John Carter was ok.  Hunger Games I loved.  If someone had told me Lenny Kravitz was in it, I would have watched it in the theaters for sure!  But I definitely recommend it if it is not on your list of must watch movies.

Woke up to this Sunday morning.

Last night the heater in the RV quit working.  Now Jay has to remove it and bring it to San Jose before it gets cold.  Everything works except the igniter or the circuit board.  Cross your fingers it something cheap, Lord knows we can't afford any more set backs.  I'm staying again tonight and heading home early tomorrow because I don't have to be at work until 11.  One more night of relaxation.

Only had change and was told it was a crock o shit

Street Performers.  Ah Street Performers.  We were watching them and I wanted to give them something but I only had a $10 or $20 so I felt bad and got what change I had left in my wallet so I split it between the 2 guys and one of them said "What a Crock of Shit."  You're welcome asshole.  You are the one on the street begging.  I could have walked by you just like the other 100 people around me did.  Never again.

Lunch at Eagle Cafe'

I'm back to saving all my $5 bills ($5 make you Hollaaaaa!)   I used to do that for my mad money , when I was making money like mad.  Now I am saving it so when I come down to the Bay Area once a month so I have some money to get over the toll bridge and this trip I was able to by some drinks for the trailer, Pepsi and water (I'm a big spender) and we got 2 Redbox Movies and today had a nice lunch at Eagle Cafe on Pier 39 and walked around 20 or more blocks in my sandles , which I know better.  It's amazing how comfortable sandles are until you have to walk for 2 hours in them.  But we had a nice lunch of Calamari, Crab Salad Sandwich and garlic fries so we are both burping up a storm.  I'm sure the trailer smells amazing.  When Jay comes home in 3 weeks, we have a busy weekend of Cheerleading, BBQ and a Halloween party, and Jay's truck is finally getting fixed from the hit and run accident he was in in May.  Until then I will save my $5 bills and hopefully have a good month so we can do more than an afternoon lunch, although movies and just chilling is nice also, as long as we get to be together.

Please excuse the language..........

 Don't read any further if racial slurs are extremely offensive to you...also know, anything said I am saying to tell the story, some of these words make me sick to my stomach, but I will say it as said to tell my story by "Keeping it Real"  The words said would never come out of my mouth as I love everyone and my family is a melting pot of America......I apologize ahead of time to those who read further and are offended.  Ugh....Here goes.....

As Jay and I woke up this morning and had our coffee and showers, we started doing laundry in the laundry mat and took a walk around the RV Park to get some air and kill time.  While we were walking around the back section of the park there was a very elaborate set up and a man hosing it off.  The lady who came out of the 5th wheel reminded me of the lady that Kristen Chenoworth plays in RV with Robin Williams, only older, southern accent and all.  We exchanged pleasantries and walked by.  On our way back we started talking and he explained to us that he was hosing off the dust and dirt he had accumulated from driving 2800 miles from South Carolina.  The boys stared talking about work and we started talking about shopping.  I told Linda about my favorite restaurant The Stinking Rose here in SF and we talked about Vacaville Outlets because she is apparently quite the shopper.  She had on rhinestoned ballet flats in silver with a matching hobo bag and lots of accessories, purple skinny jeans and a blonde wig (an expensive one).  She was all duded up as I talked to her in my KISS t shirt and red converse.  Somehow we started talking about grandchildren and crazy baby Mommas and compared stories.  Believe it or not, she won.  She was telling me her sons ex called him on speaker phone while she was having a "train" pulled on her so he could hear her.  They had to have her removed from their property by the police and she abandoned the kids which they raised for awhile to live her crazy sex driven lifestyle.  At that point Bob said... I told my son he may as well date a Mexican or a Nigger. (I'm pretty sure it looked like water had been thrown in my face, but I don't know that I flinched, taking into consideration that they are from the South and I know there is a lot more ignorance there than in the household I was raised in.)  Then we started talking about shopping again and crazy Baby Momma stories... Linda won again... who knew?  Then Jay noticed the raccoon paw prints and warned Bob about the raccoons getting into garbage and chasing him down to the bathroom one morning at 3 am...his response..."I don't mind the 4 legged coons, its the 2 legged coons I can't stand!"  Um time to go...yup, we left as they were inviting us to dinner and shopping and wine and beer.....Dear Lord, please don't let me drink around these people....I don't want to cause a trailer park rumble.....I can't ....I'm just speechless,  I was worried Jay offended them because he said "Shit Chute"  I wonder if they even thought at all that they may have offended us.....Well they offended me.  Wow, I would never survive in the South.  EVER!

Barium Kit.....Activate! And It was RAD!

 I've been having some "issues" for about 3 months now and so today I start on a Barium Kit to cleanse myself before my procedure tomorrow morning.  I don't feel that the 24 hour fast and liquid only diet is going to help "Cleanse" me since I've been doing a pretty good job of that myself.  So right now I am having beef broth for breakfast and black coffee, yum!  MM MM Good! Yikes.  When I was 8 around 1976 a lot of people got really bad food poisoning from Dairy Queen.  I was one of those lucky kids.  Apparently the type of food poisoning I had also contained parasites so I am lucky enough to still have them in my body.  Yes, after 35 years, they are still there.  They make me sick pretty frequently but never like this so my Doctor wants to check and see what is going on with me.  Hopefully that is all it is and we can kill it again with medicine.  The odd thing that he mentioned is that as often as I am "sick" I should have lost a lot of weight......nope, not that lucky I guess, but that is weird, so we shall see.

Color Me Rad was the most fun I've had in a race.  If you have never done it you have to do it next year.  It's only a 5K so completely walkable for you non runners! It was a blast!  All proceeds go to Special Olympics which is dear to our hearts because my brother was a Special Olympian.

Next, my melt down.  Yup I had a good ol' fashioned pity party last night.  Stress, worry, loneliness, money.  I had myself a great time crying last night and feeling sorry for myself.  Chin up today though.  Great friends who love me and make me laugh and a family that does the same.  So as I raise my glass of Beef Broth......Here's to our health!...Blech!

Life with the Lynchmob........

The newest Mr. and Mrs. Lynch

 So it has been about 6 weeks since I've blogged. My friend Rhianna reminded me that I haven't blogged and I have to admit that I am touched that she noticed.  Most people that read it don't comment or like, so I really don't know who is reading.  It should be more therapeutic  than anything, and I do admit, that it does help to let it all out.

In Jays Back yard

Jayson and Guoda are doing amazing.  Working full time and going to college.  Both of them are always willing to help with Stevi since Jay has officially moved to San Francisco for work.  It made sense when Guoda suggested they move into the house with us to help and for them to save money towards buying a house and to help me out financially since now Jay and I are really supporting 2 house holds.  The Bay Area is not cheap, at all!  A studio apartment is anywhere from $2000-$3000 a month, in East Palo Alto its around $1875, but I think it would cost more to replace your tires and tools and vehicle in the event that they are stolen.  It made sense and my Mom dipped into my trust fund (LOL) to help us buy a travel trailer that is only $1075 to park for 28 days at Candlestick Rv Park in South San Francisco......cheap! FOR THE BAY AREA!   Hey it includes power and hook ups and has a shower.

Daddy's little girl to the end.

 We agreed that seeing each other twice a month sucks, but why work out of town if you are going to spend all your money driving back and forth on the weekends, plus wear and tear on your vehicle.  So we are taking turns making a trip once a month.  Face timing and texting.  I admit it.....I miss him.  We never really fight and I have been a bit of a bitch lately, to Jay and Stevi.  I'm sure that is it.  If I have been a bitch to you "I apologize"  lately it seems to happen like a hiccup that erupts out of nowhere.

Stevi Punkin Lynch Sophomore year....aka...Uncle Steve, Stevo, Big Steve, Scrumdidliumpious, Juice Boxx, Whooty, White Chocolate, Punkin.

Stevi, Stevi, Stevi.  She is a good girl.  More like my Mom or my sister. Has the ridiculous jealous insecure cheerleader hating on her right now, just because we live across the street from her boyfriend, who apparently is part of a gang (name changed) called the Broke Gang.  She was threatened at school by a senior boy, he said he was going to "Beat her Fucking ass" because he felt that the jealous insecure cheerleader needed help apparently because she is defenseless against Stevi's beauty.......(beauty is always much more powerful from within).  Sadly, these kids are on a path quickly to nowhere and since this girl is a cheerleader, she seems to keep her hands clean by using this gang to bully pretty girls (Stevi is not the first by far) to stay away from her fluffy druggie boyfriend.  She shouldn't flatter herself, he is not now, nor will he ever be Stevi's type.  So the on going saga of a 15 year old girl, trying to make it through life continues.  

Through all the drama, Stevi has managed to keep her grades up, make Cheer Captain of her competition team and refuses to take Tai Kwaondo because she feels that physical violence is disgusting and beneath her. (that's where she takes after my mom and sister).  All I can say is if I were in high school today, I would be in Jan Evans........

So Hot I'm on Fire!

I felt like prisoner in my own home last night.  As I went from room to room to find some kind of coolness, I looked at my thermostat and it was a balmy 85 degrees in the house, yes it was 18 degrees cooler than my thermostat outside but SHIT!  I couldn't get comfortable, I felt dizzy, almost threw up a couple of times and my whole body hurt.  Jay felt me and said I was burning up.  Duh ! Yeah ! It's freaking hot!  Every joint in my body hurt but I wasn't sweating and I just didn't feel right.  So I took my temperature and it was 102.6.  Well no wonder.  I actually had a fever.  So I took a Xanax, two 500 Mg. Tylenol and rubbed my body down with Biofreeze and ran cool water over my wrists for awhile.  I started to feel better and the house dropped down to 83 degrees!  Woohoo!  My Mom is bringing over a portable air conditioner we bought her years ago because it wouldn't work with her well water, hopefully we can get it cleaned out and running because this is BULLSHIT!  I am not usually picky but add hot flashes in the mix and it is not pretty.  Not pretty at all.

Someone told me to put a bucket of ice water behind my fan and it helps, so I did.  It is a bit cooler I think...or am I fantasizing?  I hope it is working.......I don't want to be one of those elderly people who die in the heat.  I'm not ready.

Raider........

 All of us who have pets as family members know that someday hard times will come.  It is hard when they start to age, get ill and slow down.  Yesterday we had a moment of clarity with our oldest pet member Raider who has gradually slowed down, turned grey, stopped eating as much and we think has begun to be unable to hear as well.

 We like other pet owners occasionally give our dogs table scraps and bones.  We had ribs on Tuesday night and gave the dogs each a bone. Wednesday morning Raider wasn't doing very well.  He was uncomfortable, in pain, drinking a lot of water, throwing up and had his tail down, looking to me for help.  He would lay down, get up, walk around, sit, get up, stretch, try to go potty and couldn't.  As the morning went on I decided I should take him to the vet and make sure he didn't have an obstruction. As it turns out, he has Colitis, and in the interim the vet discovered that he has 2 broken teeth, which weren't there 6 weeks ago during his shots, and an abscessed tooth.  He is now on antibiotics and was eating this morning which is a great sign, even begging for treats.  After we get through these antibiotics, we need to see if he is strong enough to get his teeth pulled since he has a pretty strong and loud heart murmur.  We were originally told we couldn't even get his teeth cleaned because of it.  Now that it is a possible health and comfort issue, I guess we need to look further into it.   As for now, tail wagging, begging and barking.  Back to normal, life is good for Raider, except during pill time twice a day..........

What would we do without family?

 Any one that really knows me knows that I have a VERY hard time asking for help.  If I can fit it into my schedule with only 2 minutes to spare.....I can do it by myself.  I don't know why.  Ever since I was a kid I just handled things.  Sometimes we need help.  Sometimes we need to ask.  So in MY life, when I need help, my Mom asks for me because she knows I won't ask.  So she asked my baby sister if she would help with a ride today for Stevi, out to North Valleys Sports Complex, where she is a junior coach for SYFL. Of course my sister was happy to help, which took the weight off my shoulders for one ride, nobody got hurt, everyone survived and I was able to go with Jay back out to Fernley to look at the motor home we have been looking at for him to take to Half Moon Bay until things get situated at work and he has roommates so he can afford to eat down in the Bay Area.

 It's a 1992 Winnebago 34' , 20 years old, but only has 27,867 miles on it.  Everything is in working order. She may not be a $250,000 Diesel pusher, but now our family will have an RV after Jay breaks her in, and we stole her for $7000.  She comes with 2 TV's and a full set up, including a generator.  She will be cozy for Jay but living on the beach in Half Moon Bay will not be hard I am sure.  Stevi and I will make a weekend trip once a month and he will come home once a month while he is gone and when all is said and done, the Lynch/Harrington family will have an RV to use.

This much needed relaxing vacation has been anything but relaxing.  Sometimes God puts things in order.  If I wasn't on vacation this week, I wouldn't have been able to 

1. Get Stevi to and from Drivers Ed and Cheer
2. Rescue my Husband on the side of the road after his Harley broke down.
3. Find an RV and a spot to place it in 2 1/2 weeks.
4. Get Raider to the vet and treated for Colitis, and abscessed tooth and 2 broken teeth.
5. Run Stevi to a friends house with soup and a movie when he was sick.
6. Visit Liz's (my sister) new rescue dog Misty.
7. Go back to Fernley to purchase an RV.

The week isn't over yet, it's only Wed.  My mom and I have completed an 8 mile walk, 3 lunch's  a margherita each, and a movie.  I wonder what the next 4 days will bring before I have to return to work?

Worries...........

 Today's worries......Jay moving out of town, to work, for 10 years...Should he rent an apartment(throw money away), get an RV (owe more money), stay here and take a chance of no job opportunities.

 Stevi......over-doing it.  Throat is swollen, she has to coach cheer this week with SYFL Experience all day Saturday, work and go to her competition team practice, (mandatory, swollen throat or not, pulled muscle or not), and mandatory Drivers Ed, already paid for, and she will need a car in November (another expense but necessity)

 And vacation, not making money (another expense) but a much needed relaxing week(lol, yeah right!) So I am working on family things, without pay as usual, but it is really stressful when I am here in town and I could be at work making money........another reason I haven't taken more than an extended weekend since 2006. 

So I have been trying to help Jay figure out his living arrangements, thankfully with help and insight from my Mom, and trying not to use up too much gas.  Add a hot flash or 12 and it's awesome......in a house with no swamp or air conditioning.....I did sit and watch Wanderlust with my Mom today...silly movie, but mindless and we sat for around an hour and 40 minutes....Well I need to go, I have to do a couple more things around the house before I get Stevi to cheer.....for 2 hours in 98 degree weather......enjoy your air conditioning!

8 Mile..........

 "Hey Mom, want to go for a walk around the neighborhood?"  That is how it starts......every time.  Next thing you know she has us doing push-ups in the park.  Then there is me.  A walk around the neighborhood took us around 3 1/2 hours total, after mapping our route on "Map my Run" .......8 miles.  Yup, 8 miles.  A little walk about.

 One thing that is amazing to me, and she mentioned it as well, we never shut up....well I never do, and as I am talking , she is commenting on bushes and peoples yards, cars etc.  Am I talking to hear myself talk?  I don't know, maybe......she answers me occasionally , but not always.  We laugh a lot and are nosy looky loos......into peoples yards and there were a couple of cute mailboxes that I was tempted to look into, I didn't because it is a federal offense, but it was so cute!

Another thing we learned in our travels today is the "PUSY" is a gang.  Why a gang would want to call themselves "PUSY" I have no idea, but apparently, they are so proud of their name, they feel it necessary to tag random places, like this lovely walkway near Keystone Ave.   Our route started at my house on Trentham, we walked to Idlewild Park, up the Riverwalk to Virginia St., up to California, from California back to Mayberry, then walked to have lunch on Mayberry and McCarran at Waldens Coffee Shop and back home.  8 miles exactly.  My knee didn't start to hurt until around mile 6, hopefully it will strengthen so I can run again.  The reason I called my mom was because I had planned on running, but could still feel my knee, so a little leisurely stroll seemed sensible, don't you think?

Life is busy and it's about to get busier......

Jake Dalton Meet and Greet Monday August 13th at Gymnastics Nevada 5-8pm

 Life is always busy in the Lynch house.  It's about to get a whole lot busier.  Football season is upon us, as is school approaching.   Stevi's competition cheer conditioning is underway, we just got a partial schedule, including our fundraising and parent volunteer schedule, and Jay got a job in Palo Alto that starts September 1st.  Originally we thought it was a 4 year job, turns out it will be 10 years, but with the benefits and strength of the union in the Bay area, as well as additional benefits and a steady paycheck, it is too good to pass up.  He will be looking for a place to live in Half Moon Bay, much prettier area with the same price as Palo Alto, better weather and only a 30 minute drive.  Depending on how Stevi does here in school and with her sports, she and I plan to stay until she finishes school, when she's off to college, it looks like I may have a move in my future, for now, we will continue to work on paying bills down, and getting Stevi where she needs to be, whether it be work, school, drivers ed, cheer coaching SYFL, competition conditioning or competitions.  I will be on my own to add this to my full time work schedule, thank God my clients are amazing and understand when I need to move my schedule around to accommodate my daughters busy life, but in 3 months and 3 weeks, she will be driving.......after driving kids around for 26 years I can't wait! I just hope we can figure out a way to get her a car because she will definitely need one......Actually, I NEED her to have one.  We will at this point more than likely be only getting to the Bay area occasionally because of her schedule.  I was hoping to be able to take turns visiting since Jay's work is so physical, I hate to have him do all the traveling, besides, who wouldn't want to spend their weekends on the beach in 60 degree weather this time of year!

Stevi's new home for a year or more!

I will be updating her competition schedule and fundraising events as often as I can.  The soonest for us is the SYFL Experience on August 11th.  We have to be there 7 am (Stevi the night before) to set up the booth and possibly until 10 pm at night........If you are there , come say "Hi" to us in the Xtreme Cheer Booth and see what our gym has to offer your athlete.  Also the following Monday August 13th there will be a meet and greet with Olympian Jake Dalton, who comes from Gymnastics Nevada.  The Xtreme Cheer team and parents will be selling hot dogs, chips, cookies and soda as a fundraiser  ($5 for a meal) while Jake signs autographs and take photos with everyone attending.  It is amazing that he is offering his time to do this the day after he will be flying in from London, then he is off on tour with the rest of the USA team for the next year.  Hope to see you all there, Jay, Stevi and I will be there working from 6:30-8pm, so please come and say "Hi" while you are there!

And lastly....... I am on vacation this week!  Everyone keeps asking me where I am going.......Oh my Gosh..... I am going to be so busy! I am going to drivers ed Mon-Thurs. SYFL Cheer practice Mon-Sat.....Xtreme Cheer Monday and Thurs......And probably to a wide assortment of fun (Stevi) friend activities.....Yup, that is my vacation..staycation I should say....I woke up today..my first day of vacation, made myself an iced coffee, then went outside for 2 hours and worked in the yard and have finished laundry, so I get to sit and relax.....here on the computer, as I try to adjust our weekly schedule and try to figure out if I will be able to work evenings at all before November when Stevi is officially behind the wheel............so relaxing........

Hi.....Remember me?.........

Pacific Crest Trail

We are nothing alike!

Me and my new daughter!

It's been 3 weeks since I have blogged.  LIfe has been boring and monotonous.  Same old day in and day out.  Other that Jayson and Guoda's wedding which was amazing, perfect and a joyful day, Heck week!  LOL, I can't even post pictures because I haven't uploaded them into my computer yet.  With this heat, and being the first time in 20 years we haven't had air or a swamp cooler, it seems we plop on the couch at night after work, defeated by the sweat lodge we live in.  The weather is finally relenting so I may get the energy to get out and run again, last week I ran at 10 am on a day that reached 104 degrees and got heat stroke.  I felt dizzy and nauseous for a few days after.  My mom and I hiked Saturday on the Pacific Crest Trail for around 4 hours and I felt great.  My ankle held up.  Thank God....what an ordeal healing at this age.   Now I am trying to get ready for the "Color me Rad" 5 K and the Susan G. Koman 5K.  My neighbor across the street saw me coming in from a run and asked me to join her Odyssey team for next year (if she only knew how fabulous of a runner I am), thinking about it.  I'm just happy to not limp and be able to exercise since according to everything I'm reading, at my age, exercise, exercise, exercise, and diet, diet, diet...................sucks.

AND SHE'S OFF..............!!!

 Busy week for Stevi.  She returned home from San Diego and her first day home, got herself into a bit of trouble.  Lost her phone and all summer privileges until she has paid her dues.  Earned the hard way.  $250 to be exact.  Her summer went from hanging with her friends  and sleeping in, to getting up with Mommy and going to work so she is not left alone with friends, and losing her phone.  I told her the only way to get her phone and privileges back is to earn them by getting a job.  No hands outs.  

 Today she started her first job at Pizza Reno, downtown.  As of now she is training and working 1-5, although today she worked an extra hour and she is also receiving tips.  She also finally got her drivers permit after 3 tries and went from a teenager going into her sophomore year to a young adult who now can drive (supervised), has a job, and is a Junior Cheer Coach for SYFL.  When you have more responsibilities, you tend to be more responsible.  I watched her grow up in a day.  I almost cried as they were taking her permit picture and as we drove down Kietzke Ln. in lunch traffic. (That was because I was scared to death!)

Her new boss Bob is amazing.  For those of you who have been in Reno for years,  he used to own the ShyClown, now Baldini's.  Great guy and very patient.  Been married 50 years with kids and grandchildren, trying to be retired......working more I'm sure than he has ever had to.  Sitting and waiting for Stevi, I watched a few young regulars come in and he knew them all by name and chatted away with them, serving them their usuals.  A small town feeling, with the comfort of knowing everyone.  For those of you that have never been to Pizza Reno, gourmet pizza, delicious and great service.  And an adorable girl making it for you and bringing it right to your table.  


Stevi will be decorating wine glasses for the upcoming wine walk which is the 3rd Saturday of every month.  Give the small businesses a chance and buy your glass there.  Also, he is looking for a girl bartender for evenings around UNR age, young 20's.  It is a young person hang out and atmosphere.  Check it out! 


PS.  The Baja Chicken Pizza is AMAZING!